US20220246878A1 - Display device - Google Patents
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- US20220246878A1 US20220246878A1 US17/521,291 US202117521291A US2022246878A1 US 20220246878 A1 US20220246878 A1 US 20220246878A1 US 202117521291 A US202117521291 A US 202117521291A US 2022246878 A1 US2022246878 A1 US 2022246878A1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
- H10K59/00—Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one organic light-emitting element covered by group H10K50/00
- H10K59/10—OLED displays
- H10K59/12—Active-matrix OLED [AMOLED] displays
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
- H10K77/00—Constructional details of devices covered by this subclass and not covered by groups H10K10/80, H10K30/80, H10K50/80 or H10K59/80
- H10K77/10—Substrates, e.g. flexible substrates
- H10K77/111—Flexible substrates
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
- H10K50/00—Organic light-emitting devices
- H10K50/80—Constructional details
- H10K50/84—Passivation; Containers; Encapsulations
-
- H01L51/5237—
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
- G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
- G09F9/301—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements flexible foldable or roll-able electronic displays, e.g. thin LCD, OLED
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
- H10K50/00—Organic light-emitting devices
- H10K50/80—Constructional details
- H10K50/84—Passivation; Containers; Encapsulations
- H10K50/841—Self-supporting sealing arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
- H10K50/00—Organic light-emitting devices
- H10K50/80—Constructional details
- H10K50/84—Passivation; Containers; Encapsulations
- H10K50/844—Encapsulations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
- H10K2102/00—Constructional details relating to the organic devices covered by this subclass
- H10K2102/301—Details of OLEDs
- H10K2102/311—Flexible OLED
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
- H10K2102/00—Constructional details relating to the organic devices covered by this subclass
- H10K2102/301—Details of OLEDs
- H10K2102/351—Thickness
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
- H10K59/00—Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one organic light-emitting element covered by group H10K50/00
- H10K59/80—Constructional details
- H10K59/87—Passivation; Containers; Encapsulations
Abstract
A display device includes a front area, a side area, a display panel, and a protective element. The side area peripheral to sides of the front area. The display panel includes a flat surface in the front area and a curved surface in the side area. The protective element is disposed on a lower surface of the display panel. The protective element has different thicknesses in the front area and the side area.
Description
- This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0013627, filed Jan. 29, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
- Embodiments generally relate to a display device, and, more specifically, to a display device having a curved surface.
- A display device is a device displaying an image by emitting light. The display device may include a window transmitting light, a display panel disposed under the window and emitting light, and a protective element disposed under the display panel and protecting the display panel. Conventionally, a display panel having only a flat surface has been used, but a display panel having various curved surfaces is gaining traction. Generally, a display device including the display panel having various curved surfaces may be manufactured by attaching the display panel to a lower surface of the window. When the display panel including a curved surface is attached to the window, bubbles may occur in the curved part. The bubbles may absorb or refract light emitted from the display panel, and thus, display performance of the display device may be deteriorated.
- The display panel may include a plurality of curved surfaces and a corner surface (for example, located adjacent to a corner of the display panel) positioned between two adjacent curved surfaces among the plurality of curved surfaces. When the corner surface of the display panel is attached to the window, buckling or wrinkling may occur. Accordingly, display performance of the display device may be deteriorated.
- The above information disclosed in this section is only for understanding the background of the inventive concepts, and, therefore, may contain information that does not form prior art.
- Some embodiments provide a display device with improved display quality.
- Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be apparent from the disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.
- According to an embodiment, a display device includes a front area, a side area, a display panel, and a protective element. The side area extends from each of opposing sides of the front area. The display panel includes a flat surface in the front area and a curved surface in the side area. The protective element is disposed on a lower surface of the display panel. The protective element has different thicknesses in the front area and the side area.
- According to an embodiment, a display device includes a front area, side areas, a corner area, a display panel, and a protective element. The side areas are disposed peripheral to the front area. The corner area is disposed between two adjacent side areas among the side areas. The display panel includes a flat surface in the front area and a curved surface in the side areas and the corner area. The display panel further includes a groove having an inwardly recessed shape in the corner area. The protective element is disposed on a lower surface of the display panel. The protective element fills at least a portion of the groove.
- According to some embodiments, when a display panel is attached to a window, bubbles may be reduced in a side area in a manner that display quality can be improved.
- According to some embodiments, buckling or wrinkling may not occur in a corner area of a display panel in a manner that display quality can be improved.
- The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concepts, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the inventive concepts, and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the inventive concepts.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a display device according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display unit included in a display panel according to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a display device according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating a display device according to some embodiments. -
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams illustrating a display device according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a groove included in a display device according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a corner area of a display device according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line II-II′ ofFIG. 9 according to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a protective element filled in the groove ofFIG. 10 according to some embodiments. -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are plan views illustrating a display panel and a protective element included in a display device according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line of III-III′FIG. 12A according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line IV-IV′ ofFIG. 12A according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. - In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. As used herein, the terms “embodiments” and “implementations” may be used interchangeably and are non-limiting examples employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is apparent, however, that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various embodiments. Further, various embodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For example, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an embodiment may be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.
- Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments are to be understood as providing example features of varying detail of some embodiments. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as an “element” or “elements”), of the various illustrations may be otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventive concepts.
- The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. As such, the sizes and relative sizes of the respective elements are not necessarily limited to the sizes and relative sizes shown in the drawings. When an embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.
- When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. When, however, an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other terms and/or phrases used to describe a relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion, e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “on” versus “directly on,” etc. Further, the term “connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection. In addition, the DR1-axis, the DR2-axis, and the DR3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1-axis, the DR2-axis, and the DR3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, to describe one element's relationship to another element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing some embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.
- Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views, isometric views, perspective views, plan views, and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing. To this end, regions illustrated in the drawings may be schematic in nature and shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of regions of a device, and, as such, are not intended to be limiting.
- Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
- As customary in the field, some embodiments are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in terms of functional blocks, units, and/or modules. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these blocks, units, and/or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits, such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, and the like, which may be formed using semiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturing technologies. In the case of the blocks, units, and/or modules being implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they may be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform various functions discussed herein and may optionally be driven by firmware and/or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit, and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Also, each block, unit, and/or module of some embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the inventive concepts. Further, the blocks, units, and/or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the inventive concepts.
- Hereinafter, various embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a display device according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 1A , adisplay device 1000 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NA. The display area DA may be an area capable of displaying an image by emitting light. The display area DA may include a front area FA, first and second side areas SA1 and SA2 positioned adjacent to (e.g., around) the front area FA, and a corner area CA positioned between two adjacent side areas among the first and second side areas SA1 and SA2. Thedisplay device 1000 may have a flat surface as the front area FA, and may have a curved surface as the first and second side areas SA1 and SA2, and the corner area CA. - The non-display area NA may be an area not emitting light, and may include a driving circuit for driving the display area DA.
-
FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a structure of a display device according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 1B , the display area DA of thedisplay device 1000 may include awindow 250, anadhesive layer 240 disposed under thewindow 250, apolarizing layer 230 disposed under theadhesive layer 240, adisplay panel 220 disposed under thepolarizing layer 230, andprotective element 210 disposed under thedisplay panel 220. - The
window 250 may transmit light emitted from thedisplay panel 220. Thewindow 250 may include an insulating material, such as transparent plastic or glass. Thewindow 250 may be attached to thepolarizing layer 230 or thedisplay panel 220 through theadhesive layer 240. Thewindow 250 may include a curved surface in some areas (for example, side areas SA1 and SA2, or corner area CA ofFIG. 1A ). - The
adhesive layer 240 may include, for instance, at least one of an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), and a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Theadhesive layer 240 may transmit light. Theadhesive layer 240 may be disposed under thewindow 250 to provide adhesive force to thewindow 250. - External light may enter the
display device 1000. The external light may be reflected from various electrodes or wires included in thedisplay panel 220. Thepolarizing layer 230 may prevent the external light from being reflected and visually recognized. In some embodiments, thedisplay device 1000 may not include thepolarizing layer 230, and in this case, thewindow 250 and thedisplay panel 220 may be adhered through theadhesive layer 240. - The
display panel 220 may include a plurality of display units (for example, display unit P ofFIG. 3 ). Each of the plurality of display units may emit light. Thedisplay panel 220 may include a curved surface in some areas (for example, side areas SA1 and SA2, or corner area CA ofFIG. 1A ). - The
protective element 210 may be disposed on a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. Theprotective element 210 may protect the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. -
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , adisplay device 1000 may include awindow 250, adisplay panel 220, and aprotective element 210 disposed under thedisplay panel 220. Thedisplay device 1000 may include a front area (for example, front area FA ofFIG. 1A ), and a side area (for example, first side area SA1 ofFIG. 1A ). - The
window 250 may transmit light emitted from thedisplay panel 220. Thewindow 250 may have afirst surface 251 in the front area, and asecond surface 252 in the side area. Thefirst surface 251 may be a flat surface, and thesecond surface 252 may be a curved surface. In the side area of thewindow 252, a curvature of thesecond surface 252 may be constant. In some embodiments, the curvature of thesecond surface 252 may be not constant, and may be different for each location or some locations. In other embodiments, in the side area of thewidow 250, thesecond surface 252 may have various curvatures. - The
display panel 220 may be disposed under thewindow 250. Thedisplay panel 220 may include a plurality of display units P, and each of the plurality of display units P may emit light. When thedisplay panel 220 is disposed under thewindow 250, thedisplay panel 220 may have a flat surface in the front area, and may have a curved surface in the side area. For instance, when thedisplay panel 220 is disposed under thewindow 250, afirst display part 221 of the display panel may have a flat surface, and asecond display part 222 positioned on both sides of thefirst display part 221 may have a curved surface. Thesecond display part 222 may be disposed under thesecond surface 252 of thewindow 250. - The
protective element 210 may be disposed on a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. Theprotective element 210 may protect the lower surface of the display panel. Theprotective element 210 may have different thicknesses in the front area and in the side area. For instance, theprotective element 210 may include afirst part 211 disposed on a lower surface of thefirst display part 221, and asecond part 212 disposed on a lower surface of thesecond display part 222. A thickness of thefirst part 211 of theprotective element 210 may be different from a thickness of thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210. The thickness of thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210 may not be constant. In some embodiments, a thickness (e.g., maximum thickness) of thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210 may be greater than a thickness (e.g., maximum thickness) of thefirst part 212 of theprotective element 210. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display unit included in a display panel according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , a display unit P may include asubstrate 10, abuffer layer 15, a firstgate insulating layer 20, a firstinterlayer insulating layer 25, a secondinterlayer insulating layer 30, a secondgate insulating layer 35, a thirdinterlayer insulating layer 40, a via insulatinglayer 45, a pixel defining layer PDL, a first transistor TFT1, a second transistor TFT2, an organic light emitting diode OLED, and anencapsulation layer 70. The first transistor TFT1 may include a firstactive layer 17, afirst gate electrode 23, acapacitance electrode 27, afirst source electrode 41, and afirst drain electrode 42. The second transistor TFT2 may include a secondactive layer 33, asecond gate electrode 37, asecond source electrode 43, and a second drain electrode 44. The organic light emitting diode OLED may include alower electrode 50, alight emitting layer 55, and anupper electrode 60. - The
substrate 10 may support each of the layers disposed on thesubstrate 10. Thesubstrate 10 may include an insulating material, such as a polymer resin, and an inorganic material, such as a glass or quartz. - The
buffer layer 15 may be disposed on thesubstrate 10. Thebuffer layer 15 may prevent impurities from penetrating into the first and second transistors TFT1 and TFT2. Thebuffer layer 15 may include at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride. - The first
active layer 17 may be disposed on thebuffer layer 15. The firstactive layer 17 may be (or form) a channel of the first transistor TFT1. The firstactive layer 17 may include a silicon-based semiconductor material. - The first
gate insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the firstactive layer 17. The firstgate insulating layer 20 may include at least one of a silicon compound, a metal oxide, etc. - The
first gate electrode 23 may be disposed on the firstgate insulating layer 20. Thefirst gate electrode 23 may receive a gate signal input by a driving part. Thefirst gate electrode 23 may include at least one of a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. - The first
interlayer insulating layer 25 may be disposed on thefirst gate electrode 23. The firstinterlayer insulating layer 25 may include at least one of a silicon compound, a metal oxide, etc. - The
capacitance electrode 27 may be disposed on the firstinterlayer insulating layer 25. Thecapacitance electrode 27 and thefirst gate electrode 23 may define a capacitor. - The second
interlayer insulating layer 30 may be disposed on thecapacitance electrode 27. The secondinterlayer insulating layer 30 may include at least one of a silicon compound, a metal oxide, etc. - The second
active layer 33 may be disposed on the secondinterlayer insulating layer 30. The secondactive layer 33 may be a channel of the second transistor TFT2. The secondactive layer 33 may include an oxide-based semiconductor material. - The second
gate insulating layer 35 may be disposed on the secondactive layer 33. The secondgate insulating layer 35 may include at least one of a silicon compound, a metal oxide, etc. - The
second gate electrode 37 may be disposed on the secondgate insulating layer 35. Thesecond gate electrode 37 may receive a gate signal input by a driving part. Thesecond gate electrode 37 may include at least one of a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. - The second
interlayer insulating layer 40 may be disposed on thesecond gate electrode 37. The secondinterlayer insulating layer 40 may include at least one of a silicon compound, a metal oxide, etc. - The
first source electrode 41, thesecond source electrode 43, thefirst drain electrode 42, and the second drain electrode 44 may be disposed on the secondinterlayer insulating layer 40. Thefirst source electrode 41 and thefirst drain electrode 42 may contact firstactive layer 17 through respective contact holes. Thesecond source electrode 43 and the second drain electrode 44 may contact the secondactive layer 33 through respective contact holes. Thesource electrodes drain electrodes 42 and 44 may include a conductive material, such as at least one of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and titanium (Ti). - The via insulating
layer 45 may be disposed on thesource electrodes drain electrodes 42 and 44. The via insulatinglayer 45 may include an organic insulating material, such as polyimide (PI). - The
lower electrode 50 may be disposed on the via insulatinglayer 45. Thelower electrode 50 may contact thefirst drain electrode 42 through a contact hole. Thelower electrode 50 may include a conductive material, such as at least one of a metal, an alloy, and a transparent conductive oxide. - The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the via insulating
layer 45. The pixel defining layer PDL may cover a part of thelower electrode 50. The pixel defining layer PDL may define an opening exposing an upper surface of thelower electrode 50. The pixel defining layer PDL may include an organic insulating material, such as polyimide (PI). - The
light emitting layer 55 may be disposed on thelower electrode 50. Thelight emitting layer 55 may be disposed on thelower electrode 50 exposed by the opening in the pixel defining layer PDL. Thelight emitting layer 55 may include at least one of an organic light emitting material and a quantum dot. - The
upper electrode 60 may be disposed on thelight emitting layer 55. Theupper electrode 60 may also be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL. Theupper electrode 60 may include a conductive material, such as at least one of a metal, an alloy, a transparent conductive oxide, etc. For example, the conductive material may include at least one of aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), etc. - The
encapsulation layer 70 may be disposed on theupper electrode 60. Theencapsulation layer 70 may protect the organic light emitting diode OLED, the first transistor TFT1, and the second transistor TFT2 from external moisture and/or dust. - Although an embodiment of the display unit P has been described with reference to
FIG. 3 , the display unit P is not limited to the structure shown inFIG. 3 . For instance, the display unit P may include any structure capable of receiving an electrical signal and emitting light having a luminance corresponding to an intensity of the electrical signal. -
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a display device according to some embodiments. - Referring to
FIG. 4A , aprotective element 210 may be attached under adisplay panel 220.FIG. 4A may be a cross-sectional view showing thedisplay panel 220 ofFIG. 2 and theprotective element 210 ofFIG. 2 attached under thedisplay panel 220. Theprotective element 210 may include afirst part 211 attached under afirst display part 221, and asecond part 212 attached under asecond display part 222. The first part may have a first thickness T1. A thickness of thesecond part 212 may be greater than the first thickness T1. The thickness of thesecond part 212 may not be constant. For example, the thickness of thesecond part 212 may be largest at the center of thesecond part 212, and may decrease toward at least one edge of thesecond part 212. - The
protective element 210 may include a cured resin. For instance, theprotective element 210 may include an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. Theprotective element 210 may be formed via a printing method. For example, theprotective element 210 may be formed by applying the cured resin to a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220, and then repeating one or more curing processes. Accordingly, theprotective element 210 may have various shapes. For example, a thickness of theprotective element 210 may be different for each position where theprotective element 210 is attached to the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. - Referring to
FIG. 4B , thedisplay panel 220 to which theprotective element 210 is attached may be attached to the lower surface of thewindow 250. Anadhesive layer 240 may be disposed on a lower surface of thewindow 250 to provide adhesive force. - The
display panel 220 to which theprotective element 210 is attached may be disposed under thewindow 250, and apad 260 may be disposed under thedisplay panel 220. - An upper surface of the
pad 260 may have a substantially same shape as the lower surface of thewindow 250. Thepad 260 may move in a third direction DR3, and the upper surface of thepad 260 may contact theprotective element 210 attached under thedisplay panel 220. Thepad 260 may push theprotective element 210 attached under thedisplay panel 220 in the third direction DR3 and may press thedisplay panel 220 and theprotective element 210 in the third direction DR3. Accordingly, an upper surface of thedisplay panel 220 may be adhered to the lower surface of thewindow 250 by theadhesive layer 240. - In some embodiments, the thickness of the
second part 212 of theprotective element 210 may be greater than the thickness of thefirst part 211 of theprotective element 210. Accordingly, a pressure applied by thepad 260 to thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210 may be greater than a pressure applied by thepad 260 to thefirst part 211 of theprotective element 210. Accordingly, when thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210 and thesecond display part 222 are bent corresponding to a curvature of thesecond surface 252 of thewindow 250, thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210 and thesecond display part 222 may be provided with sufficient pressure by thepad 260, and an empty space (for example, a bubble) between thesecond display part 222 and theadhesive layer 240 may not be formed. - When the thickness of the
second part 212 of theprotective element 210 is adjusted, the pressure applied by thepad 260 to thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210 may be adjusted. For example, by increasing the thickness of thesecond part 212, the pressure applied by thepad 260 to thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210 may be increased. Accordingly, when the curvature of thesecond surface 252 of thewindow 250 is relatively large, by increasing the thickness of thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210, the empty space may not be formed. - Referring to
FIG. 4C , thedisplay panel 220 may be attached to the lower surface of thewindow 250. Thesecond display part 222 of thedisplay panel 220 may be bent in response to the curvature of thesecond surface 252 of thewindow 250. There may be no empty space (for example, a bubble) between thesecond display part 222 and theadhesive layer 240. -
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating a display device according to some embodiments. - Referring to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , thedisplay device 1000 may further include a supportingelement 270 disposed on a lower surface of theprotective element 210 in (or overlapping with) the front area (for example, front area FA ofFIG. 1A ). For example, the supportingelement 270 may disposed on a lower surface of thefirst part 221 of theprotective element 210. A Young's modulus of the supportingelement 270 may be greater than a Young's modulus of theprotective element 210. The supportingelement 270 may support adisplay panel 220 in the front area. - In some embodiments, the supporting
element 270 may includefirst patterns 270A extending in a first direction DR1 and arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. Accordingly, thefirst patterns 270A may prevent thedisplay panel 220 from being bent in the first direction DR1. - In some embodiments, the supporting
element 270 may further include second patterns extending in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1 and arranged to be spaced apart from each other, such as spaced apart from one another in the first direction DR1. The second patterns may be arranged to cross thefirst patterns 270A. - Referring to
FIGS. 5A and 5C , thedisplay device 1000 may further include a supportingelement 270 disposed on a lower surface of theprotective element 210 in the front area. The supportingelement 270 may be disposed on a lower surface of theprotective element 210 even in the side area (for example, first side area SA1 ofFIG. 1A ). For instance, the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on a lower surface of thesecond part 212. - In some embodiments, the supporting
element 270 disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210 may include athird patterns 270B extending in the second direction DR2 and arranged to be spaced apart from each other, such as spaced apart from one another in the first direction DR1. The supportingelement 270 disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210 in the side area may serve to prevent formation of an empty space (for example, a bubble) between thesecond display part 222 and theadhesive layer 240. - According to some embodiments, the supporting
element 270 disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210 in the side area may further include fourth patterns extending in the first direction DR1 and arranged to be spaced apart from each other, such as spaced apart from one another in the second direction DR2. The fourth patterns may be arranged to cross thethird patterns 270B. - A separation distance between the
third patterns 270B adjacent to each other may be different from a separation distance between thefirst patterns 270A adjacent to each other. For example, the separation distance between thethird patterns 270B adjacent to each other may be greater than the separation distance between thefirst patterns 270A adjacent to each other. For instance, the separation distance between thethird patterns 270B adjacent to each other may be smaller than the separation distance between thefirst patterns 270A adjacent to each other. -
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 6A , thedisplay panel 220 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NA. The display area DA and the non-display area NA may be substantially the same as the display area DA and the non-display area NA described with reference toFIG. 1A . The non-display area NA may include a pad area PDA and a bending area BA positioned between the display area DA and the pad area PDA. - The
display panel 220 may be bent based on a bending axis fx in the bending area BA. InFIG. 6A , a state in which thedisplay panel 220 is not bent is illustrated by a solid line, and a state in which thedisplay panel 220 is bent is illustrated by a dotted line. In the bending area BA, a wiring electrically connecting a driving circuit in the pad area PDA and the display unit P in the display area DA may be disposed on thedisplay panel 220. - The
display panel 220 may include the driving circuit in the pad area PDA. For example, in the pad area PDA, the driving circuit for providing an electric signal for driving the display unit P may be disposed on an upper surface of the display panel. - Referring to
FIG. 6B ,FIG. 6B may be a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line ofFIG. 6A according to an embodiment.FIG. 6B may illustrate the state in which thedisplay panel 220 is not bent. - In the display area DA, the
protective element 210 may be disposed under thedisplay panel 220. In some embodiments, a supportingelement 270 may be disposed under theprotective element 210. The supportingelement 270 may be substantially same as the supporting element described with reference toFIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C . - In the bending area BA, the
protective element 210 may not be disposed under thedisplay panel 220. Optionally, in the bending area BA, theprotective element 210 may be disposed under thedisplay panel 220. - In the pad area PDA, a pad
protective element 410 may be disposed under thedisplay panel 220. The padprotective element 410 may protect a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. The padprotective element 410 may include a cured resin. For instance, the padprotective element 410 may include an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. The padprotective element 410 may be formed via a printing method. - A
pad supporting element 420 may be disposed under the padprotective element 410. Thepad supporting element 420 may support thedisplay panel 220 in the pad area PDA, and may prevent deformation of thedisplay panel 220. A Young's modulus of thepad supporting element 420 may be larger than a Young's modulus of the padprotective element 410. - Referring to
FIG. 6C ,FIG. 6C may be a plan view illustrating thepad supporting element 420 disposed under the padprotective element 410. Thepad supporting element 420 may be disposed to form a pattern. - In some embodiments, the
pad supporting element 420 may includefirst patterns 421 extending in a first direction DR1 and arranged to be spaced apart from each other, andsecond patterns 422 extending in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1 and arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first andsecond patterns second patterns first patterns 421 is relatively small, the density of thefirst patterns 421 may be relatively increased. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , adisplay device 1000 may include awindow 250, adisplay panel 220, and aprotective element 210 attached to a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. Thedisplay device 1000 may include a front area (for example, front area FA ofFIG. 1A ), a side areas (for example, first and second side areas SA1 and SA2 ofFIG. 1A ) located around the front area, and a corner area (for example, corner area CA ofFIG. 1A ) located between two adjacent side areas among the side areas. - The
window 250 may transmit light emitted from thedisplay panel 220. Thewindow 250 may include afirst surface 251 in (or overlapping with) the front area, and second andthird surfaces window 250 may include afourth surface 254 in (or overlapping with) the corner area. Thefirst surface 251 may be a flat surface, and each of the second, third, andfourth surfaces - The
display panel 220 may be disposed under thewindow 250. Thedisplay panel 220 may include a plurality of display units P, and each of the plurality of display units P may emit light. When thedisplay panel 220 is disposed under thewindow 250, thedisplay panel 220 may have a flat surface in the front area, and may have a curved surface in the side and corner areas. For example, when thedisplay panel 220 is disposed under thewindow 250, afirst display part 221 of thedisplay panel 220 may have a flat surface, and second andthird display parts display panel 220 may have a curved surface. Afourth display part 224 of thedisplay panel 220 may have a curved surface. Thesecond display part 222 of thedisplay panel 220 may be disposed under thesecond surface 252, and thethird display part 223 of thedisplay panel 220 may be disposed under thethird surface 253. Thefourth display part 224 of thedisplay panel 220 may be disposed under thefourth surface 254. - The
display panel 220 may include agroove 225 in the corner area. Thegroove 225 may have a shape recessed into thedisplay panel 220. Theprotective element 210 may be filled in thegroove 225. - The
protective element 210 may be disposed under thedisplay panel 220. Theprotective element 210 may protect a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. Theprotective element 210 may include afirst part 211 disposed under thefirst display part 221, asecond part 212 disposed under thesecond display part 222, athird part 213 disposed under thethird display part 223, and afourth part 214 disposed under thefourth display part 224. A thickness of theprotective element 210 may not be constant in one or more of (e.g., each of) thefirst part 211, thesecond part 212, thethird part 213, and thefourth part 214. -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a groove included in the display device according to some embodiments. - In
FIGS. 8A and 8B , although thedisplay panel 220 having only onegroove 225 in the corner area is illustrated, the number of thegroove 225 is not limited thereto. For example, there may be a plurality ofgrooves 225 in the corner area. - Referring to
FIGS. 8A and 8B , theprotective element 210 may be attached to a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. Thefourth display part 224 of thedisplay panel 220 may include thegroove 225. For instance, thedisplay panel 220 may include agroove 225 in the corner area (for example, corner area CA ofFIG. 1A ). Thegroove 225 may have a shape recessed into thedisplay panel 220. Theprotective element 210 may be filled in thegroove 225. In some embodiments, an inner space of thegroove 225 may be completely filled with theprotective element 210. - In the absence of the
groove 225, when thedisplay panel 220 is attached to thewindow 250, buckling may occur in the corner area. For instance, thedisplay panel 220 may be deformed in the corner area, and the display quality of thedisplay device 1000 may be deteriorated. - The
protective element 210 filling thegroove 225 may be stretched and/or contracted. Accordingly, when thedisplay panel 220 is attached to thewindow 250, theprotective element 210 filled in thegroove 225 may contract, and thedisplay panel 220 may have a curved surface in the corner area. - When the inner space of the
groove 225 is filled with theprotective element 210, when thedisplay panel 220 is attached to thewindow 250, wrinkling may not occur in the corner area. When the inner space of thegroove 225 is not filled with theprotective element 210, when thedisplay panel 220 is attached to thewindow 250, wrinkling may occur in the corner area. - In some embodiments, a Young's modulus of the
protective element 210 may be smaller than a Young's modulus of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). For example, the Young's modulus of theprotective element 210 may be about 250 MPa or less. When the Young's modulus of theprotective element 210 is equal to or greater than the Young's modulus of PET, when thedisplay panel 220 is attached to thewindow 250, a crack may occur in theprotective element 210 in the corner area. -
FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a corner area of a display device according to an embodiment. - The
display panel 220 may include a plurality ofgrooves 225 in the corner area (for example, corner area CA ofFIG. 1A ). Thedisplay panel 220 may include display units P emitting light. Each of the display units P may be the display unit P described with reference toFIG. 3 . Thegrooves 225 may not have display units P. For instance, thegroove 225 may not emit light. Each of thegrooves 225 may be filled with theprotective element 210. - The
protective element 210 may include a cured resin. For example, theprotective element 210 may include an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. Theprotective element 210 may be formed via a printing method. For instance, theprotective element 210 may be formed by applying the cured resin to a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 and then repeating the curing process. Accordingly, theprotective element 210 may have various shapes. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line II-If ofFIG. 9 according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , thedisplay panel 220 may include the plurality ofgrooves 225. Thedisplay panel 220 may include the display units P. Thegrooves 225 may not include the display units P. Thegrooves 225 may be filled with theprotective element 210. For example, a side surface of thedisplay panel 224 defined including thegrooves 225 may contact theprotective element 210 filled in thegrooves 225. In some embodiments, thegrooves 225 may extend radially from a vertex offirst display part 221 of thedisplay panel 220. -
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a protective element filled in the groove ofFIG. 10 according to some embodiments. - Referring to
FIGS. 11A and 11B , theprotective element 210 may be formed through repeated printing and curing processes. Theprotective element 210 may be formed via a printing method. Theprotective element 210 may include a cured resin. The cured resin may include an epoxy resin or an acrylic resin cured by light or heat. - Referring to
FIG. 11A ,resin droplet 210″ may be supplied to a lower surface of adisplay panel 220 in an uncured state through aprinter 900. Theresin droplet 210″ may be supplied to an area adjacent toresin 210′. - The
resin 210′ may be applied to the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 to have a fixed shape according to a shape of the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. For example, theresin 210′ may be filled in agroove 225. Theresin 210′ may receiveenergy 910. Theenergy 910 may be light or heat, and may cure theresin 210′. - Referring to
FIG. 11B , theresin 210′ ofFIG. 11A may be cured to become theprotective element 210 ofFIG. 11B . In addition, theresin droplet 210″ ofFIG. 11A may become theresin 210′ ofFIG. 11B , and may be applied to the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 to have a fixed shape. Accordingly, theprotective element 210 may have various shapes (for example, theprotective element 210 ofFIG. 4A ). In addition, theprotective element 210 may be filled in thegroove 225. -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are plan views illustrating a display panel and a protective element included in a display device according to some embodiments. - Referring to
FIG. 12A , thedisplay panel 220 may include thefirst display part 221, thesecond display part 222, thethird display part 223, and thefourth display part 224. Thedisplay panel 220 may include the plurality of display units P such that thedisplay panel 220 may display an image. Thedisplay panel 220 may include groove 225 in the corner area (for example, corner area CA ofFIG. 1A ). For instance, thefourth display part 224 of thedisplay panel 220 may include thegroove 225. Aprotective element 210 may fill an inner space of thegroove 225. Thegroove 225 may not include the display unit P. Theprotective element 210 may be disposed on a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. - Referring to
FIG. 12B , a supportingelement 270 may be disposed under thedisplay panel 220. - In the front area (for example, front area FA of
FIG. 1A ), the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on a lower surface of theprotective element 210 disposed on the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. For instance, the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on a lower surface of thefirst part 211 of theprotective element 210. - The supporting
element 270 may includefirst patterns 270A disposed on a lower surface of theprotective element 210 in the first area. Thefirst patterns 270A may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, such as spaced apart from one another in the second direction DR2. - In the first side area (for example, first side area SA1 of
FIG. 1A ), the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210 disposed on the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. For example, the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on a lower surface of thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210. - The supporting
element 270 may includesecond patterns 270B disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210. Thesecond patterns 270B may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, such as spaced apart from one another in the first direction DR1. - In the second side area (for example, second side area SA2 of
FIG. 1A ), the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210 disposed on the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. For instance, the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on a lower surface of thethird part 213 of theprotective element 210. - The supporting
element 270 may include third patterns 270C disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210. The third patterns 270C may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, such as spaced apart from one another in the second direction DR2. - In the corner area (for example, corner area CA of
FIG. 1A ), the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210 disposed on the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220. For instance, the supportingelement 270 may be disposed on a lower surface of thefourth part 214 of theprotective element 210. - The supporting
element 270 may includefourth patterns 270D disposed on the lower surface of theprotective element 210. Thefourth patterns 270D may extend in a direction away from thefirst part 211 of theprotective element 210 in a plan view, such as direction crossing each of the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, e.g., a radial direction from a vertex of thefirst part 211 of theprotective element 210. AlthoughFIG. 12B illustrates an embodiment including fourfourth patterns 270D, the number of thefourth patterns 270D is not limited thereto. For example, the supportingelement 270 may include a plurality offourth patterns 270D in one or more of thefourth parts 214 of theprotective element 210. - A separation distance between the
first patterns 270A adjacent to each other may be different from a separation distance between thesecond patterns 270B adjacent to each other. The separation distance between thefirst patterns 270A adjacent to each other may be different from a separation distance between the third patterns 270C. The separation distance between thesecond patterns 270B adjacent to each other may be different from the separation distance between the third patterns 270C. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line ofFIG. 12A according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , a thickness of theprotective element 210 disposed on a lower surface of adisplay panel 220 in the first side area (for example, first side area SA1 of FIG. 1A) may be greater than a thickness of theprotective element 210 disposed on a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 in the front area (for example, front area FA ofFIG. 1A ). For example, a thickness of thesecond part 212 of theprotective element 210 may be greater than a thickness 211T of thefirst part 211 of theprotective element 210. - The thickness of the
second part 212 may not be constant. For example, the thickness of thesecond part 212 may be greatest at a center of thesecond part 212 and may decrease toward at least one edge of thesecond part 212. - In some embodiments, a thickness of the
protective element 210 disposed on a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 in the second side area (for example, second side area SA2 ofFIG. 1A ) may be greater than the thickness 211T of theprotective element 210 disposed on the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 in the front area. For example, a thickness of the third part (213 ofFIG. 7 ) of theprotective element 210 may be greater than the thickness 211T of thefirst part 211 of theprotective element 210. - The thickness of the
third part 213 may not be constant. The thickness of thethird part 213 may be greatest at a center of thethird part 213 and may decrease toward at least one edge of thethird part 213. - Accordingly, when the
display panel 220 forms a curved surface in the side areas (for example, first and side areas SA1 and SA2 ofFIG. 1A ) and is attached to a window (250 ofFIG. 7 ), an empty space (for example, bubbles) may not be formed. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line IV-IV′ ofFIG. 12A according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 14 , a thickness of theprotective element 210 disposed on a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 in the corner area (for example, corner area CA of FIG. 1A) may be greater than a thickness of theprotective element 210 disposed on a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 in the front area (for example, front area FA ofFIG. 1A ). For example, a thickness of thefourth part 214 of theprotective element 210 may be greater than a thickness 211T of the first part of theprotective element 210. - The thickness of the
fourth part 214 may not be constant. For example, the thickness of thefourth part 214 may be greatest at a center of thefourth part 214 and may decrease toward at least one edge of thefourth part 214. - Accordingly, when the
display panel 220 forms a curved surface in the corner area and is attached to the window (250 ofFIG. 7 ), an empty space (for example, bubbles) may not be formed. -
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 15 , thedisplay panel 220 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NA. The display area DA and the non-display area NA may be substantially the same as the display area DA and the non-display area NA described with reference toFIG. 1A . The non-display area NA may include a pad area PDA and a bending area BA positioned between the display area DA and the pad area PDA. - The
display panel 220 may be bent based on a bending axis fx in the bending area BA. InFIG. 15 , a state in which thedisplay panel 220 is not bent is illustrated by a solid line, and a state in which thedisplay panel 220 is bent is illustrated by a dotted line. In the bending area BA, a wire electrically connecting a driving circuit on the pad area PDA and the display unit P on the display area DA may be disposed on thedisplay panel 220. - The
display panel 220 may include a driving circuit in the pad area PDA. For example, in the pad area PDA, the driving circuit for providing an electric signal for driving a display unit P may be disposed on an upper surface of thedisplay panel 220. - In some embodiments, a pad protective element (for example, 410 of
FIG. 6B ) may be disposed on a lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 in the pad area PDA. The pad protective element may protect the lower surface of thedisplay panel 220 in the pad area PDA. In an embodiment, a pad supporting element (for example, 420 ofFIG. 6B ) may be disposed under the pad protective element. - The pad protective element may include a cured resin. For instance, the pad protective element may include an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. The pad protective element may be formed via a printing method.
- The pad supporting element may be disposed under the pad protective element. The pad supporting element may support the
display panel 220 in the pad area PDA to prevent deformation of thedisplay panel 220. A Young's modulus of the pad supporting element may be greater than a Young's modulus of the pad protective element. - The pad supporting element may be arranged to form a pattern. For example, the pad supporting element may be disposed to form substantially the same pattern as the pad supporting element described with reference to
FIG. 6C . - Although certain embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the accompanying claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Claims (23)
1. A display device comprising:
a front area;
a side area peripheral to sides of the front area;
a display panel comprising a flat surface in the front area and a curved surface in the side area; and
a protective element disposed on a lower surface of the display panel, the protective element having different thicknesses in the front area and the side area.
2. The display device of claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the protective element disposed in the side area is greater than a thickness of the protective element disposed in the front area.
3. The display device of claim 2 , wherein the thickness of the protective element disposed in the side area is variable.
4. The display device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a supporting element disposed on a lower surface of the protective element in the front area.
5. The display device of claim 4 , wherein the supporting element comprises first patterns extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other.
6. The display device of claim 4 , further comprising:
a supporting element disposed on a lower surface of the protective element in the side area.
7. The display device of claim 4 , wherein a Young's modulus of the supporting element is greater than a Young's modulus of the protective element.
8. The display device of claim 1 , wherein:
the display panel comprises a display area, a pad area, and a bending area between the display area and the pad area; and
the display panel is bent in the bending area based on a bending axis.
9. The display device of claim 8 , further comprising:
a pad protective element disposed on a lower surface of the display panel in the pad area.
10. The display device of claim 9 , further comprising:
a pad supporting element disposed on a lower surface of the pad protective element.
11. The display device of claim 10 , wherein the pad supporting element comprises:
first patterns extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other; and
second patterns extending in a second direction crossing the first direction and spaced apart from each other.
12. A display device comprising:
a front area;
side areas disposed peripheral to the front area;
a corner area disposed between two adjacent side areas among the side areas;
a display panel comprising a flat surface in the front area and a curved surface in the side areas and the corner area, the display panel further comprising a groove having an inwardly recessed shape in the corner area; and
a protective element disposed on a lower surface of the display panel, the protective element filling at least a portion of the groove.
13. The display device of claim 12 , wherein a side surface of the display panel defined by the groove is in contact with the protective element filling at least the portion of the groove.
14. The display device of claim 12 , wherein the protective element completely fills the groove.
15. The display device of claim 12 , wherein the protective element filling at least the portion of the groove is at least one of stretched and contracted.
16. The display device of claim 12 , wherein a Young's modulus of the protective element is less than a Young's modulus of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
17. The display device of claim 12 , wherein a thickness of the protective element disposed on a portion of the lower surface of the display panel in the side areas is greater than a thickness of the protective element disposed on a portion of the lower surface of the display panel in the front area.
18. The display device of claim 12 , wherein a thickness of the protective element disposed on a portion of the lower surface of the display panel in the corner area is greater than a thickness of the protective element disposed on a portion of the lower surface of the display panel in the front area.
19. The display device of claim 12 , further comprising:
a supporting element disposed on a lower surface of the protective element in the front area.
20. The display device of claim 18 , further comprising:
a supporting element disposed on a lower surface of the protective element in the side areas and the corner area.
21. The display device of claim 12 , wherein:
the display panel comprises a display area, a pad area, and a bending area positioned between the display area and the pad area; and
the display panel is bent in the bending area based on a bending axis.
22. The display device of claim 21 , further comprising:
a pad protective element disposed on a portion of the lower surface of the display panel in the pad area.
23. The display device of claim 22 , further comprising:
a pad supporting element disposed on a lower surface of the pad protective element.
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KR10-2021-0013627 | 2021-01-29 | ||
KR1020210013627A KR20220110407A (en) | 2021-01-29 | 2021-01-29 | Display device |
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US20220246878A1 true US20220246878A1 (en) | 2022-08-04 |
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US17/521,291 Pending US20220246878A1 (en) | 2021-01-29 | 2021-11-08 | Display device |
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EP (1) | EP4047672A3 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20220110407A (en) |
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WO2011125307A1 (en) * | 2010-04-09 | 2011-10-13 | シャープ株式会社 | Display apparatus |
KR102118578B1 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2020-06-04 | 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 | Organic light emitting diode display |
KR102596956B1 (en) * | 2016-05-23 | 2023-11-01 | 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 | Display device |
KR101929452B1 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2018-12-17 | 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 | Display apparatus |
KR102612041B1 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2023-12-07 | 엘지디스플레이 주식회사 | Foldable display device |
KR102404974B1 (en) * | 2017-09-12 | 2022-06-03 | 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 | Display device |
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EP4047672A3 (en) | 2022-11-02 |
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